UNIQUE PROPERTIES OF NON PO FOAMS IN GENERAL AND POLYETHERAMIDE IN PARTICULAR AND THE POSSIBILITIES IN ROLL FOAMS

摘要

Alveo is a producer of cross-linked closed-cell polyolefin foams, which are applied in e.g. automotive interior trim, adhesive tapes and a variety of consumer and construction applications. Although polyolefin foams have their unique properties, new and improved properties can only be obtained by using e.g. Non PO materials. Non PO foams are already commercial available or in a far stage of development, e.g. PEEK, PA6, PVDF, PSU, SEBS, TPU and Polyetheramides. In this presentation the performance of a roll foam process via a three-step process, viz. extrusion of sheets, crosslinking and foaming, as compared to foam extrusion or injection moulding is discussed. This three step process will lead to Non PO foams with lower densities and finer cells as compared to the extruded and injection moulded foams. In case of very stiff materials, e.g. PEEK or PSU, Alveo's foam process is less suitable and for these materials block foam processes might be more suitable. TPE materials appeared to be most feasible for these three step roll foam processes and are discussed into more detail. A comparison between polyolefin, SEBS, TPU and polyetheramide foams is made showing that polyetheramide foams, Pebaxfoam®, exhibit the most unique properties, viz. breathability, flexibility, high energy recovery, flexibility at low temperatures and compression set.